The Best Present to Yourself and Family is Crime Prevention

The winter holiday season is a very busy time of year for everyone, especially for criminals. With the holiday season upon us, most people are preoccupied with the details of holiday planning and shopping. Many shoppers are out and about running errands, carrying more money and packages than during other times of the year. Unfortunately criminals view the holiday season as a time of opportunity. This is not a time to forget that criminals will also be out and about looking for easy targets to make a big score. Nothing can ruin your Christmas spirit faster than becoming the victim of a crime.

The FBI reports that criminal activity increases during December. Crimes such as burglaries, muggings, car thefts, robberies, pick pocketing, credit card scams, etc. Remember to be vigilantly follow all the safety measures you normal do when it's not the holiday season. Criminals will be on the look out for someone they can catch off guard.

After that Thanksgiving feast when you head out to the malls to start that holiday shopping, be sure to keep the following tips in mind. Don't forget these tips are relevant at other times of the year too.

SAFETY IN THE PARKING LOT

Staying safe while shopping for the holiday can be a bit trying at times. This is because there are fewer daylight hours in the daytime. Shoppers often arrive at that mall while it is yet day only to find it has gotten dark outside when they leave. Often they don't think about that and aren't very picky about where they park.

Even though parking lots fill up quickly this time of year, try to park in a well-lit area with high pedestrian activity. Avoid parking in remote locations if at all possible. Once your car is parked, familiarize yourself with its location. Notice any row numbers, etc., so you can easily find it upon your return. Be sure to lock your car when you leave.

Take a companion along when you shop. This will lessen your chances of being targeted by an attacker or mugger. If you have no choice but to shop alone, then try to walk with other shoppers through the parking lot.

SAFETY IN THE MALL

While you are inside the mall don't go near dark hallways or backroom areas, especially at closing time. Don't use a bathroom facility that is located in a back passageway. It is best to use one near the food court or other high traffic area of the mall.

Be careful and on guard when walking in crowds. Look out for people you do not know who deliberately bumps, jostles or gets too close as these may be diversions for pickpockets who try to steal your wallet. While you are at it, you might want to keep a close eye on your shipping bags and other personal property too. Keep your purse close to your body and never leave it unwatched in the shopping cart. It's not a good idea to keep your wallet, credit cards, or cash in your back pocket or a backpack. Pickpockets can swiftly with easy get at these items without being caught. As an alternative, carry them in your front pockets.

Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Make purchases using a check, credit card, or debit card whenever possible. When you do use cash pull out only what you need and keep the remainder hidden from view. It's always a good idea to carry minimal amounts of cash, regardless of the time of year. Never flash your cash. Save your most expensive purchases for last, so you can head straight home afterwards.

Try not to overload yourself with packages when it is time to return to your car. Combine smaller ones with one or two larger packages, or make several trips to your car. If you are overburdened, you won't be able to see who may be approaching and it could prevent you from quickly responding to a threat.

Always have your car keys ready to avert having to search for them in your purse or pocket when you reach your vehicle. Look over your shoulder periodically to make sure you are not being followed back to your car. As you draw near to your vehicle wait until you are almost upon it before using your fob to unlock it. Unlocking it too early could possibly inform a would-be assailant which car is yours. He could then hurry on ahead to reach your car before you and wait for your arrival. When you arrive at your vehicle be sure to look into the back seat before you get in to make sure no one is hiding inside.

Place your packages in the trunk out of sight. Do this when you first get to your car, rather than waiting until you park at your next stop. Gifts and other valuables should never be left in clear view this would provide thieves a reason to break into your vehicle while you are shopping.

When you get into your vehicle lock your doors immediately and drive off. Don't wait around sitting there to check off your shopping list, jot purchases down in your checkbook ledger or whatever it is that may cause you to delay your departure. This creates the perfect opportunity for an attacker to approach you and force his way into your car, especially if you didn't lock the doors.

Another precaution you may to consider using is to carry a personal alarm. This small device is perfect for drawing attention to yourself if you should ever need to. It is easily carried on your wrist or key chain. When activated it will emit a loud annoying sound designed to get noticed by others. An attacker won't this and will leave you alone.

Following these safety tips will help your Christmas to be a cheerful and joyful affair.

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